ESPN Wide World of Sports

Are you asking about the ESPN Club at the Boardwalk or the ESPN Wide World of Sports, which is an actual sports venue? I wasn't aware that there was anything going on at Wide World of Sports aside from actual sporting events and whatever concessions or food venues served patrons of the matches.

The only football I'm aware at Wide World of Sports would have to Pop Warner Super Bowl in early December. I haven't been to Disney during that game but I've read stuff how noisy the value resorts were during that time.

The Orlando Classic will begin Thursday, Nov. 27 and continue on Friday, Nov. 28 and Sunday, Nov. 30, from HP Field House at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Fans can purchase Orlando Classic tickets to all five sessions (12 games) for $150 each. Single-session tickets will be sold only during tournament week, and will be based on availability. If single-session tickets become available, the cost will be $60 per two-game session on Thursday and Friday, and $75 for all four games Sunday.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or on location at the ESPN Wide World of Sports(r) Complex Box Office.

Here's a link to the press release
http://disneysportsnews.com/2014/08/19/tickets-for-2014-orlando-classic-to-go-on-sale-friday-aug-22/

There is a restaurant at ESPN Wide World of Sports, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/wide-world-of-sports/espn-wide-world-sports-grill/

I have not been over there in years, but the bus service was not very timely.

For the ESPN Club on the Boardwalk, lines begin forming at the door, 30-60 minutes prior to opening at 11:30 am, both Saturday and Sunday. Easier to get a seat on Saturday than Sunday. Likely that the college game you wish to see, will be shown there. I have been there on Sundays, where they are at capacity(even in the bar area), and no one gets in unless someone leaves.

Based on JMed's original post, I really think she's asking about ESPN Club at the Boardwalk. This is the place to go if you want to see the college and NFL games over the weekend. I've never been to the WDW ESPN Club, but the one I have visited had numerous TV screens all over the place, including ginormous ones larger than any big-screen HDTV I've ever seen (although this was back in the day before HDTV, so they were standard def TVs). If the WDW version is at all similar you'll be able to catch any game you want there.

So yes, ESPN Club is at the Boardwalk.

Anyway, I looked some info about ESPN Club of how to get in without dealing with the crowds. I've heard that ESPN Club has "VIP Seating" so basically, for $50 per person, you get a reserved seat in an area to watch whatever game is on and by the looks of it, you have to commit to spending $50 worth of food and drink for one, $100 for two people, etc. It's on a per game basis from what I've read so in other words, if you want to watch a 1 pm game of your favorite team, then a 4 pm game either for fantasy football purposes or whatnot, you'll need to fork over another 50 bucks and so on. It's pretty much the only way to guarantee a seat in the restaurant/bar. I posted a link below to better explain how it exactly works.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013/12/02/getting-the-best-spot-for-the-big-game-strategizing-and-new-vip-seating-at-disney-worlds-espn-club/

But if ESPN Club is inconvenient for whatever reason maybe, you may want look into the lounges at the deluxe resorts like the Tambu Lounge at Poly or the Crew's Cup Lounge at the Yacht Club.

There is a sports grill at ESPN Wide World of Sports but you have to buy a ticket into the complex. You're best bet is going to be at the boardwalk.

Territory Lounge had games on but no sound. It also did not open till 4:30pm. Not sure about any of the other bars we usually get snacks and watch in our room.

All of the Disney resort bars that are open early will have the games on, but may only have 1-2 tvs. The Wave Lounge @ Contemporary has lots of seating, and won't be crowded. If you want to sit outside, the Cabana bar at the Dolphin has 4 tvs. The Dolphin Lobby Lounge has 3 tvs. I would try ESPN Club first(they even have tvs in the restrooms), and if too crowded, walk over to Big River Grill or the Dolphin.

Almost forgot that there is also a good DTD option. Splitsville has a number of bars and TVs!

http://www.splitsvillelanes.com/events/join-us-on-nfl-game-days-orlando/

If you get lucky you may be able to sit in the recliners in front of the big screen at the ESPN Club. I went there for lunch a couple of years ago and to catch some of the Steelers game. They don't take reservations so I got there early. When asked if I wanted a seat at the bar or a table. I said it didn't matter as long as I got to watch the Steelers. A few minutes later she asked if I wanted to sit in a recliner. Ah yes...

FYI JMed, We arrived at the ESPN Club yesterday(Sat.) around 12:10 pm, and had no problem getting a table. When we left @ 1:45, all of the tables were taken, with people lined up at the door.